US4291576A - Electrical temperature sensing means having moisture tight seals - Google Patents
Electrical temperature sensing means having moisture tight seals Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US4291576A US4291576A US06/113,587 US11358780A US4291576A US 4291576 A US4291576 A US 4291576A US 11358780 A US11358780 A US 11358780A US 4291576 A US4291576 A US 4291576A
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- plug
- temperature sensing
- probe
- sensing means
- electrical
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Lifetime
Links
- 239000000523 sample Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 24
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 9
- 239000004020 conductor Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 abstract description 7
- RYGMFSIKBFXOCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N Copper Chemical compound [Cu] RYGMFSIKBFXOCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- 239000010949 copper Substances 0.000 description 3
- 229910052802 copper Inorganic materials 0.000 description 3
- 239000004743 Polypropylene Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000002347 injection Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000007924 injection Substances 0.000 description 2
- -1 polypropylene Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 229920001155 polypropylene Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 229920002379 silicone rubber Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 239000004945 silicone rubber Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229910001369 Brass Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000010951 brass Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000007613 environmental effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000001746 injection moulding Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000005855 radiation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229910001220 stainless steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000010935 stainless steel Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000003245 working effect Effects 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01K—MEASURING TEMPERATURE; MEASURING QUANTITY OF HEAT; THERMALLY-SENSITIVE ELEMENTS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G01K1/00—Details of thermometers not specially adapted for particular types of thermometer
- G01K1/08—Protective devices, e.g. casings
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01K—MEASURING TEMPERATURE; MEASURING QUANTITY OF HEAT; THERMALLY-SENSITIVE ELEMENTS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G01K2207/00—Application of thermometers in household appliances
- G01K2207/02—Application of thermometers in household appliances for measuring food temperature
- G01K2207/06—Application of thermometers in household appliances for measuring food temperature for preparation purposes
Definitions
- the present invention pertains to an improvement in a temperature sensing means wherein a sensing element is carried by a probe and is electrically connected to an electrical plug through electrical connectors carried within a flexible cable, the improvement comprising first and second moisture sealing joints formed between the cable and the probe and between the cable and the electrical plug, an electrically insulative medium extending from an outer surface of and into the plug to prevent short circuiting of electrical conductors therein, and sealing means carried within the plug providing a moisture seal between the electrically insulative medium and the electrical plug.
- the present invention pertains to a temperature sensing means and more particularly to a temperature sensing means wherein elements of the sensing means are moisture sealed to prevent environmental moisture leakage.
- the temperature sensing means of the present invention is particularly useful in microwave oven applications.
- an electrical temperature sensor is inserted into a material to be cooked to monitor its temperature and thus the degree to which the material is cooked. After use, the temperature sensing means needs to be washed and cleaned and preferably by usual household techniques; for example by a dishwasher. This leads to the problem of preventing moisture leakage to the internal workings of the sensor to prevent damage to the electrical elements of the sensor.
- a feature of the invention to provide a temperature sensing means which is substantially moisture proof. Another feature of the invention is the provision of such a sensing means wherein a probe carrying a sensing element is connected to an electrical plug by a flexible cable and wherein moisture seals are provided at the ends of the cable between it and the plug and the probe. Another feature of the invention is the provision of such a temperature sensing means wherein an electrically insulative medium is provided between the plug and the cable and wherein moisture sealing means are provided within the plug to provide a seal between the plug and the electrically insulative medium.
- FIG. 1 is a view in partial section showing the complete temperature sensing means of the invention.
- FIG. 2 is an enlarged section taken along the line 2--2 of FIG. 1.
- FIG. 3 is an enlarged section taken along the line 3--3 of FIG. 1.
- FIG. 4 is an enlarged section taken along the line 4--4 of FIG. 1.
- temperature sensing means 10 in general, includes a probe 12 which is connected to an electrical plug 14 through a flexible cable 16.
- Probe 12 has a tip portion 18 which, in microwave oven applications, may be stuck into an item to be cooked.
- a sensing element, such as a thermistor 20, is carried in the tip portion to sense the temperature in the item being cooked.
- the probe may be fabricated from stainless steel, for example.
- Cable 16 includes an outer wall 22 fabricated of a good electrically insulative material such as silicone rubber and an inner flexible tube 24 that is also fabricated from silicone rubber. As shown, tube 24 extends into both probe 12 and electrical plug 14. Carried within tube 24 is an electrical wire 26 that is fabricated from copper. Disposed between tube 24 and outer wall 22 of cable 12 is a radiation shield 28 which also extends into both the probe 12 and electrical plug 14. The shield protects the electrical characteristics of the temperature sensing means from RF interference and is fabricated from an electrically conductive material such as copper.
- Electrical plug 14 includes a head portion having a stem 32 extending therefrom and a sleeve 34. Both the head portion and the sleeve may be fabricated from brass or copper. Stem 32 has a hole 36 for receiving electrical wire 26.
- Sleeve 34 is fabricated in two sections 34' and 34". The sleeve 34 and head portion 30 are electrically insulated from each other through space 38 but are physically connected to each other as well as being electrically insulated from each other through an electrically insulative medium 40 which fills the space and extends to the outer periphery or surface of the plug. Electrically insulative medium 40 includes a polypropylene material which is injection molded in space 38.
- Sleeve 34 serves as electrical ground for the complete temperature sensing means.
- the electrical circuit to thermistor 20 is from head portion 30 through wire 26 to thermistor 20 through electrical lead 45.
- the circuit back to ground is from thermistor 20 through electrical lead 42 to shield 28 and back to ground through a crimp 44 in sleeve 34 which engages the sleeve with the shield.
- Probe 12 is also grounded through a crimp 46 in the probe which engages the probe with shield 28.
- the temperature sensing means 10 is provided with moisture seals at three places, (1) the connection between cable 16 and probe 12, (2) the connection between cable 16 and plug 14, and (3) between electrically insulative medium 40 and plug 14.
- a moisture seal joint 50 is provided between flexible cable 16 and probe 12 through an overlapping joint 52 formed by probe 12 overlapping outer wall 22 of the cable and crimp 54 provided in probe 12. Crimp 54 insures a good positive contact between outer wall 22 and probe 12.
- a similar moisture seal joint 56 is provided between cable 16 and plug 14 by an overlapping joint 58 provided by the plug overlapping the cable and by crimp 60 provided in the plug.
- a sealing means 62 provides a moisture seal between insulative medium 40 and plug 14.
- Sealing means 62 includes at least one groove 64 provided in stem 32 and a ring 66 extending into space 38 from sleeve section 34". More specifically, after the polypropylene material of the electrically insulative medium is injection molded into space 38, the groove and the ring prevent slippage of the material which usually arises after the injection molding is complete.
Landscapes
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Measuring Temperature Or Quantity Of Heat (AREA)
- Connector Housings Or Holding Contact Members (AREA)
Abstract
A sensing element is carried by a probe and electrically connected to an electrical plug through electrical connectors carried within a flexible cable. Moisture sealing joints are provided between the cable and the probe and plug. An electrically insulative medium is disposed within the plug and extends to the outer surface of the plug. A moisture seal is provided within the plug to provide a seal between the plug and the electrically insulative material.
Description
Generally speaking, the present invention pertains to an improvement in a temperature sensing means wherein a sensing element is carried by a probe and is electrically connected to an electrical plug through electrical connectors carried within a flexible cable, the improvement comprising first and second moisture sealing joints formed between the cable and the probe and between the cable and the electrical plug, an electrically insulative medium extending from an outer surface of and into the plug to prevent short circuiting of electrical conductors therein, and sealing means carried within the plug providing a moisture seal between the electrically insulative medium and the electrical plug.
The present invention pertains to a temperature sensing means and more particularly to a temperature sensing means wherein elements of the sensing means are moisture sealed to prevent environmental moisture leakage.
The temperature sensing means of the present invention is particularly useful in microwave oven applications. In many microwave oven applications, an electrical temperature sensor is inserted into a material to be cooked to monitor its temperature and thus the degree to which the material is cooked. After use, the temperature sensing means needs to be washed and cleaned and preferably by usual household techniques; for example by a dishwasher. This leads to the problem of preventing moisture leakage to the internal workings of the sensor to prevent damage to the electrical elements of the sensor.
It is, therefore, a feature of the invention to provide a temperature sensing means which is substantially moisture proof. Another feature of the invention is the provision of such a sensing means wherein a probe carrying a sensing element is connected to an electrical plug by a flexible cable and wherein moisture seals are provided at the ends of the cable between it and the plug and the probe. Another feature of the invention is the provision of such a temperature sensing means wherein an electrically insulative medium is provided between the plug and the cable and wherein moisture sealing means are provided within the plug to provide a seal between the plug and the electrically insulative medium. These and other features of the invention will be apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 is a view in partial section showing the complete temperature sensing means of the invention.
FIG. 2 is an enlarged section taken along the line 2--2 of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is an enlarged section taken along the line 3--3 of FIG. 1.
FIG. 4 is an enlarged section taken along the line 4--4 of FIG. 1.
Referring now to the drawings, temperature sensing means 10, in general, includes a probe 12 which is connected to an electrical plug 14 through a flexible cable 16. Probe 12 has a tip portion 18 which, in microwave oven applications, may be stuck into an item to be cooked. A sensing element, such as a thermistor 20, is carried in the tip portion to sense the temperature in the item being cooked. The probe may be fabricated from stainless steel, for example.
According to the invention, the temperature sensing means 10 is provided with moisture seals at three places, (1) the connection between cable 16 and probe 12, (2) the connection between cable 16 and plug 14, and (3) between electrically insulative medium 40 and plug 14. Referring to FIG. 2, a moisture seal joint 50 is provided between flexible cable 16 and probe 12 through an overlapping joint 52 formed by probe 12 overlapping outer wall 22 of the cable and crimp 54 provided in probe 12. Crimp 54 insures a good positive contact between outer wall 22 and probe 12. Referring to FIG. 3, a similar moisture seal joint 56 is provided between cable 16 and plug 14 by an overlapping joint 58 provided by the plug overlapping the cable and by crimp 60 provided in the plug.
Continuing with FIG. 3, a sealing means 62 provides a moisture seal between insulative medium 40 and plug 14. Sealing means 62 includes at least one groove 64 provided in stem 32 and a ring 66 extending into space 38 from sleeve section 34". More specifically, after the polypropylene material of the electrically insulative medium is injection molded into space 38, the groove and the ring prevent slippage of the material which usually arises after the injection molding is complete.
Claims (7)
1. In a temperature sensing means wherein a sensing element is carried by a probe and is electrically connected to an electrical plug through electrical connectors carried within a flexible cable,
(a) first and second moisture sealing joints formed between said cable and said probe and said cable and said electrical plug, respectively,
(b) an electrically insulative medium extending from an outer surface of and molded into a space in said plug to prevent short circuiting of electrical conductors carried therein, and
(c) a ring carried within said space of said plug providing a moisture seal with said electrically insulative medium.
2. In a temperature sensing means according to claim 1 wherein said first and second moisture sealing joints include overlapping joints between said flexible cable and said probe and said electrical plug.
3. In a temperature sensing element according to claim 2 wherein said probe and said electrical plug overlap said flexible cable.
4. In a temperature sensing element according to claim 3 wherein said probe and electrical plug are crimped around substantially the entire outer surface of said flexible cable.
5. In a temperature sensing means according to claim 1, wherein said plug comprises a head portion and a separate sleeve connected to said flexible cable, wherein said electrically insulative medium extends from said outer surface from an area between said sleeve and said head portion, wherein said ring extends from said separate sleeve into said space near said area, and wherein said insulative medium substantially fills said space between said sleeve and said head.
6. In a temperature sensing means according to claim 5 wherein said sealing means includes a stem extending from said head into said sleeve.
7. In a temperature sensing means according to claim 6 wherein said stem includes at least one groove extending substantially around its outer periphery.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US06/113,587 US4291576A (en) | 1980-01-21 | 1980-01-21 | Electrical temperature sensing means having moisture tight seals |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US06/113,587 US4291576A (en) | 1980-01-21 | 1980-01-21 | Electrical temperature sensing means having moisture tight seals |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| US4291576A true US4291576A (en) | 1981-09-29 |
Family
ID=22350324
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| US06/113,587 Expired - Lifetime US4291576A (en) | 1980-01-21 | 1980-01-21 | Electrical temperature sensing means having moisture tight seals |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US4291576A (en) |
Cited By (11)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO1993016333A1 (en) * | 1992-02-07 | 1993-08-19 | Aktiebolaget Electrolux | Temperature probe and oven provided with such probe |
| US5487352A (en) | 1994-09-21 | 1996-01-30 | John R. Williams | Temperature indicator for cooked meats |
| US5959524A (en) * | 1995-11-15 | 1999-09-28 | Heraeus Electro-Nite International N.V. | Temperature sensor |
| US6457857B1 (en) * | 2000-08-04 | 2002-10-01 | Mamac Systems, Inc. | Sheathed and flanged temperature probe |
| US6462640B2 (en) * | 2000-03-29 | 2002-10-08 | Heraeus Electro-Nite International N.V. | Sensor with a temperature-dependent measuring element |
| US7706671B2 (en) | 2005-03-16 | 2010-04-27 | B2M Asset Management, Llc | Multi-function liquid container |
| US20110044375A1 (en) * | 2008-03-13 | 2011-02-24 | Gerald Kloiber | Sensing device for detecting a physical quantity and method for producing said sensor |
| US20180058950A1 (en) * | 2013-12-18 | 2018-03-01 | Ewig Industries Macao Commercial Offshore Limited | Waterproof Food Thermometer Probe And Associated Methods |
| US20200088588A1 (en) * | 2018-09-19 | 2020-03-19 | Nuwave, Llc | Wired Temperature Probe for Cooking Appliance |
| US10928253B2 (en) | 2017-07-18 | 2021-02-23 | Ewig Industries Macao Commercial Offshore Limited | Dual-sensor waterproof temperature monitoring probe and associated systems and methods |
| US11009401B2 (en) | 2017-07-18 | 2021-05-18 | Ewig Industries Macao Commercial Offshore Limited | Dual-sensor waterproof temperature monitoring probe and associated systems and methods |
Citations (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3241370A (en) * | 1962-09-21 | 1966-03-22 | Stevens Mfg Co Inc | Thermal probe |
| US3974696A (en) * | 1974-02-27 | 1976-08-17 | General Electric Company | Food thermometer for microwave oven |
| US4122322A (en) * | 1976-07-20 | 1978-10-24 | Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. | Temperature detecting unit employed in a microwave oven |
-
1980
- 1980-01-21 US US06/113,587 patent/US4291576A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Patent Citations (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3241370A (en) * | 1962-09-21 | 1966-03-22 | Stevens Mfg Co Inc | Thermal probe |
| US3974696A (en) * | 1974-02-27 | 1976-08-17 | General Electric Company | Food thermometer for microwave oven |
| US4122322A (en) * | 1976-07-20 | 1978-10-24 | Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. | Temperature detecting unit employed in a microwave oven |
Cited By (14)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO1993016333A1 (en) * | 1992-02-07 | 1993-08-19 | Aktiebolaget Electrolux | Temperature probe and oven provided with such probe |
| US5487352A (en) | 1994-09-21 | 1996-01-30 | John R. Williams | Temperature indicator for cooked meats |
| US5959524A (en) * | 1995-11-15 | 1999-09-28 | Heraeus Electro-Nite International N.V. | Temperature sensor |
| US6462640B2 (en) * | 2000-03-29 | 2002-10-08 | Heraeus Electro-Nite International N.V. | Sensor with a temperature-dependent measuring element |
| US6457857B1 (en) * | 2000-08-04 | 2002-10-01 | Mamac Systems, Inc. | Sheathed and flanged temperature probe |
| US7706671B2 (en) | 2005-03-16 | 2010-04-27 | B2M Asset Management, Llc | Multi-function liquid container |
| US20110044375A1 (en) * | 2008-03-13 | 2011-02-24 | Gerald Kloiber | Sensing device for detecting a physical quantity and method for producing said sensor |
| US9370887B2 (en) * | 2008-03-13 | 2016-06-21 | Epcos Ag | Sensing device for detecting a physical quantity and method for producing said sensor |
| US20180058950A1 (en) * | 2013-12-18 | 2018-03-01 | Ewig Industries Macao Commercial Offshore Limited | Waterproof Food Thermometer Probe And Associated Methods |
| US10132698B2 (en) * | 2013-12-18 | 2018-11-20 | Ewig Industries Macao Commercial Offshore Limited | Waterproof food thermometer probe and associated methods |
| US10928253B2 (en) | 2017-07-18 | 2021-02-23 | Ewig Industries Macao Commercial Offshore Limited | Dual-sensor waterproof temperature monitoring probe and associated systems and methods |
| US11009401B2 (en) | 2017-07-18 | 2021-05-18 | Ewig Industries Macao Commercial Offshore Limited | Dual-sensor waterproof temperature monitoring probe and associated systems and methods |
| US20200088588A1 (en) * | 2018-09-19 | 2020-03-19 | Nuwave, Llc | Wired Temperature Probe for Cooking Appliance |
| US11035742B2 (en) * | 2018-09-19 | 2021-06-15 | Nuwave, Llc | Wired temperature probe for cooking appliance |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| AS | Assignment |
Owner name: EMHART INDUSTRIES, INC., FARMINGTON, CT A CORP. OF Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST.;ASSIGNOR:DEANE KENNETH E.;REEL/FRAME:003863/0020 Effective date: 19800117 |
|
| STCF | Information on status: patent grant |
Free format text: PATENTED CASE |
|
| AS | Assignment |
Owner name: EMERSON ELECTRIC CO. A CORP. OF MISSOURI, MISSO Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST.;ASSIGNOR:EMHART INDUSTRIES, INC. A CORP. OF CONNECTICUT;REEL/FRAME:005691/0720 Effective date: 19910125 |